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Related Experiment Videos

Bracing after ACL reconstruction: a systematic review.

Rick W Wright1, Gary B Fetzer

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.wright@wudosis.wustl.edu

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|February 7, 2007
PubMed
Summary

This review found no evidence that knee braces improve outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Bracing did not affect pain, range of motion, or graft stability in ACL patients.

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Sports medicine
  • Rehabilitation science

Background:

  • Knee bracing is commonly used after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
  • Beliefs suggest braces enhance outcomes by improving extension, reducing pain and graft strain, and offering protection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review Level I evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • To determine if scientific evidence supports the routine use of knee braces following ACL reconstruction.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of 12 Level I randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • Analysis focused on outcomes including pain, range of motion, graft stability, and protection from injury.

Main Results:

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  • No evidence demonstrated that knee brace use improved pain levels post-ACL reconstruction.
  • Range of motion and graft stability were not significantly affected by bracing.
  • Bracing did not provide demonstrable protection against subsequent injury.

Conclusions:

  • The use of knee braces after ACL reconstruction is not supported by current high-level evidence.
  • Clinical practice of routine bracing may not be rationalized based on measurable patient outcomes.